The Albuquerque Journal first reported the booking, which takes place at Tingley Coliseum, Albuquerque, N.M. UFC officials subsequently confirmed the matchup.

Sanchez’s booking should come as no surprise, as “The Dream” was born and still resides in Albuquerque. The crowd-pleasing brawler has suffered through back-to-back losses, but has popularity may never have been higher, as fans know the original “The Ultimate Fighter” winner is always looking to bang, as witnessed by his seven “Fight of the Night” bonuses.

Meanwhile, British slugger Pearson looks to fight for the first time since a disappointing no-contest result against Melvin Guillard in October. The two were expected to rematch earlier this month, but a Pearson knee injury forced him out of the fight, allowing Michael Johnson to step in.

Pearson, who briefly tinkered with a run at 145 pounds, is 2-0 (with the one no contest) since coming back to lightweight.